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Oneil Cruz’s booming homer, sac fly lift Pirates over Reds 5-4 in opener

By WPXI.com News Staff

Oneil Cruz Pittsburgh Pirates' Oneil Cruz (15) celebrates with first base coach Tarrik Brock (16) after hitting a solo home run against the Cincinnati Reds in the second inning of an opening day baseball game in Cincinnati, Thursday, March 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Dean) (Jeff Dean/AP)

By WPXI.com News Staff

CINCINNATI — After hitting an impressive home run earlier in the game, Oneil Cruz’s sacrifice fly in the eighth inning snapped a 4-all tie and lifted the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 5-4 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Thursday in their season opener at Great American Ball Park.

The uber-talented shortstop went 1 for 2 and drew two walks in addition to the homer and sac fly.

Speedy rookie Ji-Hwan Bae walked to start the winning rally and stole second base. After Austin Hedges’ sacrifice bunt, Bae trotted home on Cruz’s fly ball to deep left field off Buck Farmer (0-1).

Read the full recap from our partners at Sports Now Group Pittsburgh here.

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